Forks Over Knives

2011

Action / Documentary

Synopsis

What has happened to us? Despite the most advanced medical technology in the world, we are sicker than ever by nearly every measure. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. About half of us are taking at least one prescription drug and major medical operations have become routine. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country's three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to "battle" these very conditions. Millions suffer from a host of other degenerative diseases. Could it be there's a single solution to all of these problems? A solution so comprehensive, but so utterly straightforward, that it's mind-boggling that more of us haven't taken it seriously? FORKS OVER KNIVES examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the so-called "diseases of affluence" that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods. The major storyline in the film traces ...

What has happened to us? Despite the most advanced medical technology in the world, we are sicker than ever by nearly every measure. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. About half of us are taking at least one prescription drug and major medical operations have become routine. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country's three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to "battle" these very conditions. Millions suffer from a host of other degenerative diseases. Could it be there's a single solution to all of these problems? A solution so comprehensive, but so utterly straightforward, that it's mind-boggling that more of us haven't taken it seriously? FORKS OVER KNIVES examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the so-called "diseases of affluence" that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting our present menu of animal-based and processed foods. The major storyline in the film traces ...

Director

Cast

Tech specs

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by Amadio4 / 10

It's wrong

While it's true that there has been a rise in many degenerative diseases in the past 60 years, the simplistic message given by this film is wrong. Eating animal fats does not cause, for example, heart disease. Look at the Inuit, whose diet is traditionally 90% seal fat. Or the Masai, whose diet is traditionally 90% meat, milk and blood.
This film does raise awareness of the need to change the Western diet, but animal fat and protein are not the culprits. A high fat, lo-carb diet works well. As does a lo-fat, high carb diet. But you can't have both hi-fat and hi-carb. Corn syrup and sugar in everything, additives and preservatives are the dangers. Not fats and a little protein.

Reviewed by Robert Jackson4 / 10

Forks Over Knives, has something great to say, but it is seriously hampered by its strong, biased anti-meat and anti-dairy stance.

Forks Over Knives is a documentary film that advocates for a low- fat, whole-food, plant-based diet, arguing that eating plant-based foods and avoiding animal-based foods, can prevent or reverse serious health problems. There are many benefits to choosing this diet over a "western diet", a diet high in fat, sugar, processed foods, and meat. The healthy plant-based diet is high in vitamins and minerals and it won't raise your bad cholesterol. Unlike the fatty "western diet", this diet prevents the buildup of fat in arteries, which can cause cardiovascular disease. Despite it advocating healthier eating, Forks Over Knives is not without fault. The film argues against the consumption of animal-based foods, specifically targeting meat and dairy, even going as far as to suggest that animal-based foods have little to no nutritional benefit and should never be eaten. While eating too much meat is unhealthy, lean meat and fish in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. The film also states that drinking too much milk is bad, but like meat, it can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.

Still, the film has other redeeming moments, such as its valid points about the effect the consumption of animal products has on the world. For example, it states that world hunger would end if all the grain fed to animals was redistributed to people who need it. In my opinion, this argument is better because it is about humanity as a whole, which is more important than one person's diet. Arguments like these are much more likely to convert me to veganism than questionable claims about the supposed lack of nutritional value in all animal products.

Overall, Forks Over Knives, has something great to say, but it is seriously hampered by its strong, biased anti-meat and anti- dairy stance. This position is repeatedly enforced throughout the film, which could encourage some viewers to become vegan or even look down on those who eat animal-based products. Although there are great things about low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diets, this movie is not the best way to learn about them.

Reviewed by TrueFanMissy9 / 10

Shocked me back into mostly vegan diet.

Spoiler alert: Two medical doctors on opposite ends of the country come to the same conclusion about how we eat. But seriously, if you don't already know this information, you're probably a goner. Outstanding information about eating to live. And told in a very practical and easy to understand way. Really important documentary. I hope every kid in the country watches it. It would make a BIG difference in the health of our nation. I love it and I'll watch it again, and I'll make my husband watch it and when my kids are old enough, I'll cram it down their throats once a year until they move out.